The Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment (CITE) is a tripartite entity created in 1979.

It is composed of representatives from government and social partners (the Portuguese Retail and Services Confederation – CCP, the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers – National Trades Union – CGTP-IN, the Confederation of Portuguese Industry – CIP, and the General Workers’ Union – UGT).

Its main responsibilities are the promotion in the private and the public sectors of:

Equality and non-discrimination between women and men in labour, in employment and in vocational training;

Protection of maternity and paternity;

Reconciliation of work and family life,

by answering queries and requests for information on the part of public and private entities, as well as the follow-up and registration of inspections and legal decisions related to discriminatory labour practices.

It comes under the authority of the Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity, in articulation with the government member in charge with gender equality.

Law no. 35/2004, dated 29th July, regulating Law no. 99/2003,
dated 27th August, which approved the Labour Code
(Articles 494, 495 and 497 to 499)
Decree-Law no. 211/2006, dated 27th October,
approving the legal framework
of the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity (Article 32)